Cannabis lounges get final approval
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday gave the final stamp of approval for lounges attached to marijuana dispensaries, where people can legally smoke what they buy.
The proposal passed 3-2, with supervisors Monica Martinez and Kim De Serpa dissenting.
Supporters predict that so-called...
Meeting at Aptos High leaves parents and teachers with more questions than answers
Pajaro Valley Unified School District hosted a meeting Monday night to garner community input on the qualities people would like to see in the next Aptos High School principal.
However, many who went expected to receive information on former principal Alison Hanks-Sloan’s controversial resignation.
“The meeting...
Ceiba school to remain at site after Watsonville City Council, PVUSD Trustees waive zoning rules
Ceiba College Preparatory Academy will remain at its location at 215 Locust Street, and Pajaro Valley High School will not need to make room for Renaissance High School students, who will not be displaced by Ceiba.
All of that was made possible when the Pajaro...
Alison Hanks-Sloan did not resign, letter confirms
When Aptos High School Principal Alison Hanks-Sloan sent a letter on March 16 to the Pajaro Valley Unified School District community announcing she would not be returning for the 2025-26 school year—and that her last day will be June 30—district officials told The Pajaronian...
Watsonville police search for church vandal
Watsonville Police are asking for help in identifying a man who was caught on a security camera hurling a brick at a stained-glass window at St. Patrick’s Church March 14.
WPD said the man, clad in white pants and a blue jacket, caused more than...
Watsonville Community Band performance to feature singer who acted in 70s TV show
The Watsonville Community Band has been busy rehearsing with Judy Norton, actress, singer, writer, director for film and television, for a pair of concerts April 4 and 5. The free performances—titled “Lions, Tigers, & Marches! Oh My!”—will showcase Norton’s artistry as she sings songs...
Former Pajaronian photographer dies
Michael McCollum, who worked as staff photographer at the Pajaronian from1987 to 1996, died March 9 in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was 67.
Born on April 27, 1957, to Garland McCollum and Katherine Fromm-McCollum in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada, Mik was 2 when the family moved...
Esperanza del Valle celebrates 45 years
The local folkloric dance group Esperanza del Valle will celebrate its 45th anniversary on April 4, 5 and 6 at the Crocker Theater in Aptos.
The program, titled “Espirítu de Mexico,” will feature live music with guest artists Nematatín de la Universidad Veracruzana and Mariachi...
Photo story: VFW replaces stolen flags
Members of VFW Post 1716 get help from Watsonville Fire Department Thursday in replacing two flags that once flew above the VFW building on Freedom Boulevard.
Thieves recently stole the American flag and a POW/MIA flag along with the rope. Veteran Bob Erbe (center,...
PVUSD sends 30 layoff notices to teachers
Last week, about 30 teachers got the news they have been dreading since late February, when the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees approved reductions to several teacher positions.
Roughly 30 teachers have received layoff notices—also called pink slips—on Thursday and Friday, said...
PG&E shuts battery storage facility after failed restart
PG&E officials halted activities around the planned restart of its battery storage facility in Moss Landing on June 1, the same day it initiated...
